Page 87 of In Love and War
“Mr. Bloom, my apologies, I tried to warn him.” Jasmine was frantic.
“No, no, it’s alright, we’ve been expecting him.” My father waved her concern off. “Zac, you may come in. I’m glad you made it.”
Zac’s eyes flashed over to my father, and he gave a quick nod before they were back on me, his chest was rising and falling in a way that made me think he’d run at least a portion of the way here.
“I’m afraid I can’t stay and chat though. The two of you will have to excuse me, I have to go talk to our HR director and a couple of our lawyers about an outdated nonfraternization policy that I would like to have removed from our employment contracts. Jasmine, you’ll join me, won’t you? I’ll require notes from the meeting.”
My father’s coconspirator gave him a quick, knowing smirk and a nod from behind Zac.
“But before I go, I expect thebothof you in my office at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning to discuss the details of your employment. I’m considering your notices null as of now. If you disagree, you can make your arguments in the morning. And they’d better be good ones.”
And then they were off, closing the door behind them.
Neither one of us said anything for a full two minutes. I heard the elevator ding in the hallway, letting me know that we were officially the only ones left on the floor.
“You seriously couldn’t just pick up your stupid phone?” I was the one to break the silence.
No response.
“You really thought I’d rat you out like that?” I crossed my arms defensively.
Nothing.
“Well, I wouldn’t. And I’m sorry I let Kai think that I would, okay? I’ve… talked to him since then. And I’m just… I’m really sorry.”
He dropped what sounded like his keys and phone on the floor and started to take slow steps toward me, stopping a foot away from where I stood.
“Can you… please… just say something now?” I tightened my arms around my ribs.
“You love me?”
I swallowed.
“You weren’t supposed to hear that. I know it makes things weird for you…”
“You’re stupid in love with me.” He said it as a statement, his eyes searching mine.
I let out a breath. No point in trying to hide it now—the jig was up.
“Yes, Zac.That’swhy I freaked out. I knew I was starting t—”
His hands captured my face, and his mouth was on mine before I could finish the sentence. It was the kind of kiss you read about in books, times a million. Fireworks, bells, butterflies, you name it. There was a parading circus inside my stomach.
His lips moved against mine leisurely, his nips and licks deliberate.
“I’m sorry I didn’t pick up the phone,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you back. I’m sorry I’m such an idiot. I can’t believe you told him you’d blackmailed me. I almost had a heart attack when I heard you say it. That’s when I got into my car.”
“It was the only thing I could come up with on short notice that explained everything. Pretty clever, huh?”
“A little too clever.” He pressed a kiss on my nose, his arms tightening around my waist. “But it wouldn’t have worked. I was on my way down here to make sure of it.”
“So, what do you think is going to happen now? It sounds like they’re changing the policy.”
“I guess we’ll see tomorrow morning. But one thing’s for sure. There’s no way in all of hell you’re going to New York. If you do, I’m packing my suitcase too. I’m not letting Bruman take you away from me.”
“Oh yeah?” I said with a smile. “And why’s that, Zackary?”
“Because I’m stupid in love with you too, Amelia,” he whispered.
